Maintaining My Food Personality

by Lisa

If you didn’t notice, I took a little break/vacation from social media recently. I didn’t intend to, but it just sort of happened as a result of having way too many things going on at once (not all work), and spending time with my extended family at the lake (where there was no functional wifi). I can say that I probably drank too much wine over the course of the last week (but I’m not sure whose standards I’m using to measure that—I never had a hangover, so I’m calling it moderate). Being away from blogging made me question whether I really want to keep doing it or not, and I haven’t reached a conclusion yet.

I have a great work opportunity coming up in September, and I think it would be fun and useful to share about it, so I’m just going to regroup for now and see if I can come up with anything useful to write.

I talked to a lot of people about food over the past week, and the topic of eating on vacation came up a lot. I’m feeling great about the choices I made–with the exception of eating fewer organic produce items than normal (and more wine than normal), I really didn’t compromise my way of eating at all. I just made sure that when I was going to be around people, I either ate first, brought my own, or tailored their dishes to fit my needs. People noticed and some didn’t act very supportive, but I know it’s because when someone is “different” than yourself, it’s easy to bristle a bit–it’s threatening in some way, that maybe everyone should question the status quo…and possibly this could mean having to leave the comfort zone.

Besides, I’m past hiding my weird habits and I think it’s unfortunate when my eating makes other people uncomfortable, but it’s important enough to me to stick with it and just try not to make a spectacle of myself (partially successful on that one).

I have a weekend filled with social engagements and work (and hopefully sleep) and working out. I did a killer 15 minute workout on Wednesday that has caused most of my body to be sore …I love that feeling. I can see how my hard work is paying off, and other people have commented on it as well.

I threw a baby shower over the weekend. I mean, obviously you can tell that this is us at the baby shower.

My mom is on the left and my aunt is in the middle. I love it when a pic comes out where everyone is actually smiling and looking the right direction...

Where are you currently in your workout plan? Motivated, unmotivated? Dedicated, regimented, random? The gym, yoga, inside/outside, recreational?

Do you try to blend in with a group in terms of your food preferences or do you just fly the crazy-food flag?

Tagged as: Fitness, Food, vacation

http://www.cottercrunch.com lindsay cotter

i agree, i think some people feel threatened with certain ways of eating, but it’s only because they are not educated on WHY you are eating that way. Totally understandable. And thats where you come in, you are a great teacher, just by the way you live and love others.
claybaboons

Many of my favourite bloggers seem to be on hiatus right now. A season of change, I guess! I hope that you keep blogging…but if you don’t, then I hope that we’ll still keep in touch. As for how I feel about sticking to my eating habits…well, the truth is, I’m all talk. I’ll say “Oh, I’m going to stop eating sugar.” And then the next day I’ll eat a chocolate bar. So nobody takes me seriously anymore when I make announcements about my eating habits.
http://www.thefitnessdish.com/ Laury

I have gone through those periods of not wanting to blog, and wanting to blog, and I can so relate to everything you said! I am excited to hear about this new opportunity too!

As far as eating goes, you know I’m in the same boat. People do feel threatened, and act like you’re being rude or should just suck it up and eat what’s served to be polite. Why should I compromise my beliefs and my lifestyle though? I try to be reasonable and never make anyone go out of their way. I will do what you do and eat ahead of time, or bring something. Even then, I still feel people think it’s rude. And now with Ella, I am like no other mom I know with her eating. I know it will get more complicated as time goes on too. I make everything for her, and bring her food to restaurants and people’s houses. I wish you lived closer we could just be “weird” together!
http://www.1970kikiproject.wordpress.com/ cathy@1970kikiproject

hi lisa!! great to catch up a bit, thanks to this post. i love the three photos, esp the one of you, your mom and your aunt. i hope the baby shower was a lot of fun.
i am motivated to run outside: i love this weather, it’s light out early, and i am just zen-ing right out as i run. feels good!
i hope you’re able to decide what you want to do re blogging…i think it’s the summertime that makes our motivation dwindle.
happy weekend!
Lisa_healthy_diaries

Sounds like you’ve been enjoying some time away from blogging. I have as well. I just am not inspired to write anything lately, but am hoping that changes soon!

When I’m out with a group I guess totally comfortable with not eating something if I don’t want it. Most my friends and family know that I’ve changed my eating habits and are usually very supportive. There will always be time though when people watch and judge you, but to heck with them!!

I hope you continue to blog because I ALWAYS enjoy reading your posts!
Lisa_healthy_diaries

I’d love to be “weird” with you guys too!! )
http://twitter.com/therawproject Christine

Glad you’re enjoying some time away, social media breaks are needed! Blogging is tough when life gets stressful and full, I haven’t been posting as much lately either feeling so tired after busy work days.

My current workout plan has just been maintenance routines in a home gym while catching up on TV with so much going on. But I plan to change that this month revving up half marathon training again.

Being vegan is pretty different from most groups and parties I go to, but I try not to make a big deal out of it bringing vegan dishes and eating what else I can. Occasionally someone will notice I have a big plate full of salad and fruit while passing over the BBQ.
http://thehealthybeehive.com/ Jane

I’m glad you are enjoying your summer! I think you have to do what makes you happy! I pretty much just fly the crazy food flag. Everyday at work, they order burritos, and everyday they ask me if I want one, and I say no, and they make fun of me saying I’m “not a team player”. Every day! It bothers me sometimes, but hey I gotta do it. And then there is the “what are you having for lunch” question. Happy 4th of July – I hope you have a great week!
Lauren George

I know how that feels when people look at your funny when you make healthy eating a priority. Since I’m allergic to gluten, I often have no choice but to bring my own food, or order weird things at restaurants. When it comes down to it, our health is the most important thing!
Gina (Candid RD)

That picture of you, your mom, and aunt is priceless! You’re all beautiful.
My food philosophy is different than most, bu tI think it’s to be expected since I’m an RD (so I think that sort of helps me and people don’t “judge” as much). It’s sad, however, that my being an RD is almost an excuse for me to eat healthy and be different from most people. I used to let people’s comments bother me (because I do still get them) but I’ve learned to just go with the flow and live my own life and eat how I want. Thanks fort he reminder that it’s ok to be different
http://anediblemosaic.com/ Faith

I’m happy to see a post from you, my friend – I hope you keep blogging (I look forward to reading everything you share with us), but of course you have to do what’s right for you. That photo of you three ladies is gorgeous.

Honestly, I’ve feeling a little unmotivated with my workouts lately…I think it’s time to switch things up a little!
http://blissfulbritt.com/ Brittany

Three gorgeous ladies in that photo!! I love this family oriented post. I definitely stand out with my eating habits, but I am more than ok with that.
http://eatdrinkbreathesweat.com/ Jess

I’m feeling very similarly to you on the blogging front right now. I’m not really sure what I want to do or where I want to take blogging…but after a week away from it, I’m kind of unsure if/when/how I’ll return.

on the foodie front – screw ‘em. you eat how you eat because it works for you. nobody should judge you for that. seriously. ugh.
http://alexiaku.wordpress.com/ Alexia @ NamasteYoga

i am so happy you are back Lisa! I really enjoy reading your blog and I always feel i learn something from u , so u better keep on writing! I am sure I will get loooots of support from all your other readers in that request!

I have been drinking lots of wine too, but thats a summer thing. People go out a lot and stay out all evening because its warm etc. in austria there is loooots of spritz and wine involved and you would be weird not drinking in summer.. lol.. i decided to minimise my drinking and stop for a while since I have had a drink or 2 almost every day in the past month. so many social gathering etc! ahhh
In vacation I usually manage to eat ‘my way’ even when around other people. It can get a bit difficult though when around family and people make something especially for u /that event etc. I try to find balance in everything and not overstress!

Exercise wise i am on a low, i manage to go on some runs and do yoga, would love to have more time to do more though!
http://caitplusate.com/ Caitlin

i like seeing that photo of you, your aunt, and your mom because you mention your mom a lot and it’s nice to put a face to the name (her name to me being your mom, haha). you look great and happy! anytime you want tech-free time, i say go for it. i myself have been feeling tech overload lately. i’m so sick of my phone yet feel the need to be on it all the time! especially at restaurants when i feel like i need to be on instagram with my meals. i just want to be with my friends & family! i’ve started putting the phone away more often.
i hate getting comments about my food choices because they too are often diff. my fam and good friends are used to it but i try to keep it on the DL as well, or at least as much as i can. my co-workers like to comment that i never eat desserts when folks bring them in but i really don’t want them!
last night i took a night off from the 1-2 glasses of wine i’ve been having with dinner and it was kinda nice. i may try to do it more often this week and the following weeks!
Jamie Koonce

Lisa, I’ve found that since starting a new job a couple of months ago, I’ve been more motivated in other areas of my life as well — fitness, nutrition, blogging, relationships, spirituality, etc. The energy that I’ve been putting into my new job has spilled over into these other areas. Perhaps you will experience the same in September!